Student Publishing Program ::

Atri Raychowdhury

The Battle of Performance

The behemoth rests, among the spectators

In a large hall, isolated among the rest

Large ebony frame, four feet resting on the wooden floor

Light pours in from various directions defining it.

Harsh melodies resound from its inner core

And twisted mazes inside can perplex any man.

Its many white teeth reflect vivid lights

It has the ability to subdue, and overwhelm

Crescendos, of voices emerge from its body

It can mimic certain elements of the world

At times its grotesque frame is opened, revealing

The innards of a creature like no other

It has keys to unlock the secrets of man.

Its illustrious structure captivates many,

Its roar can be heard from a distance

I heard my name it was my turn to face this demon

To battle it, tame it in front of so many

But as I stood there before it,

The nerves that had made me so perplexed

Were gone, and I did not see the creature

Before me, as a monster, but an elegant creation of God

Blessed, that I could force it to delight so many people

The faint smell of ancient cinder tickled my nose.

It stood before me, greeting me, as I came closer

I sat down gracefully, almost stroking its exterior

Looking to the audience, all waiting anxiously,

I took a bow, insinuating the war ahead

I took a deep breath, cleared my head

Looked down, and started playing the piano

[TABLE OF CONTENTS, LHS CLASS OF 2011 EDITION]